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רֶבַע

𐤓𐤁𐤏

Reva

H7254 noun

SILEX Entry

Root רבע to be four, to divide into four, to be four-sided, to provide a fourth part

Definition

Reba, a proper name referring to a Midianite leader encountered by the Israelites during their encounter with Midian. The lexical meaning of the name is uncertain, but it may be etymologically connected to the notion of 'fourth' or 'quarter' due to its similarity to the common noun רֶבַע (quarter), though this is not definitively established. As a personal name, Reba designates an individual and does not convey a descriptive or titular sense in context.

Semantic Range

Reba (personal name), possible reference to the number four, division into four; as a personal name, without attributive meaning in context

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root רבע (r-b-ʿ), which in Hebrew typically means 'to be four, make fourfold, be four-sided; fourth part.' The proper noun רֶבַע (Reba) may be a theophoric or clan name possibly referencing numerical order or position, but the precise etymological origin as a personal name is uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Reba appears in the Hebrew Bible as one of the five Midianite chieftains defeated in the Israelites' campaign against Midian (Numbers 31:8, Joshua 13:21). The term clearly functions as a proper name and is not used generically or descriptively. While the name resembles the Hebrew word for 'quarter' or 'one-fourth,' there is no narrative evidence that the biblical character's role or identity is directly tied to this numerical meaning. English versions generally transliterate the name as 'Reba,' with no particular interpretive gloss given. Later Jewish tradition and translation (e.g., some Septuagint manuscripts) consistently treat Reba as a proper name. The use of numerically derived roots in personal names was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, but the exact significance for this Midianite leader remains unclear.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

the same as רֶבַע; Reba, a Midianite; Reba.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

רבע (r-b-ʿ) — to be four, to make fourfold, fourth part, four-sided division

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H702 אַרְבַּע four
H703 אַרְבַּע four
H7243 רְבִיעִי fourth
H7244 רְבִיעַי fourth (feminine)
H7250 רָבַע to lie-flat with her

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H7254-01 רֶ֔בַע reva HNp Reba Reba 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7254-01 Numbers 31:8 רֶ֔בַע reva HNp Reba Reba
H7254-01 Joshua 13:21 רֶ֔בַע reva HNp Reba Reba
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